What is e-Waste?
And is the World Doing Anything About It?
When you hear the term “e-waste,” what springs to mind? You probably think of computers and televisions, tablets and laptops, even phones. And you would be correct, but e-waste refers to a growing range of devices.
We have entered the age of the Internet of Things (IoT), when everything from your toaster to your watch may contain cutting edge electronics designed to monitor, communicate, and provide you with more options than ever before.
The problem is that most electronics don’t hang around for very long. No matter the device, last year’s model seems underpowered and obsolete in comparison to today’s version. That leads to throwaways and short-lived devices that end up in growing mountains at landfills around the world.
E-Waste contains toxic metals and chemicals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, brominated flame retardants, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). Dumping these toxins by the ton back into the environment is not a good idea.
World-wide, e-waste is now the fastest-growing waste stream, estimated at 48.5 million tons in 2018.
Cleaning up Electronic Waste
Fortunately, many counties around the world recognize the threat posed by e-Waste and are working together to encourage and legislate recycling efforts.
In the US, the EPA works bilaterally with governments and environmental officials around the world on e-waste management. The International E-Waste Management Network is comprised of environmental officials from around the world, including counties like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Tuvalu, and Vietnam, all working together to understand the impact of e-Waste and assess the downstream markets for aging electronics.
Protec Recycling’s Zero Waste Policy
In Alabama, Protec Recycling leads the way toward an era of modern electronics recycling with a Zero Waste guarantee. Located in Birmingham, Protec provides e-recycling services to consumers, small businesses, and corporations. Our goal is to provide each customer with environmentally sustainable, cost effective, and confidential disposal of their electronic assets.
End of life electronics recycled with Protec never see a landfill. They are recycled or repurposed and resold for reuse.
Would you like to work with Protec Recycling? It’s easy, give us a call at 205-549-2120, or visit our Contact Us page today!
